Archive for the ‘Week of 8/25-9/1 2007’ Category

Steve Chernoski and Alena Kruchkova of CK Productions are seen filming their recent recent documentary film which asks, “Where is the dividing line between north and south Jersey?”

Recently, independent documentary filmmakers Steve Chernoski and Alena Kruchkova filmed in Lavallette and Seaside Heights, places they consider “border towns”, asking the question, “where is the dividing line between North and South Jersey?” Interviewed for the film was Lavallette Mayor Wally LaCicero and yours truly, Pete Smith, speaking as the Director of Public Relations for Seaside Heights. According to the filmmakers, Mayor LaCicero said he considered Lavallette to be in North Jersey. As for me, I couldn’t agree with Wally more, because I think that Seaside Heights is definitely smack in the center of New Jersey, making Lavallette, “up north”, so to speak. Others may disagree, but I think Seaside Heights is not only in the physical center of New Jersey, but it is also the psychological center as well. Seaside Heights attracts visitors from not just one or two, more than three major metropolitan areas: New York, Philadelphia and Trenton. Since its inception, Seaside Heights has been the playground for these geographic areas because its in perfect center to be easily accessible to all. It is no coincidence that Six Flags Great Adventure, one of the largest and most popular amusement parks in the country, is built in Ocean County. The reason is that large amounts of land were available in once-rural Jackson Township, near this junction of several major roads that link Ocean County to New York, Philadelphia, and Trenton. The reason the junctions are located in this area is because here is the center of the state, and here’s the road (Route 571) built as part of easy access to Seaside Heights during the first half of the 20th century. The filmmakers asked, by which major market were Ocean County residents most influenced : Philadelphia or New York. I answered that for me, it was a blend of both. I’ve watched both Philadelphia and New York channels interchangeably all my life. I feel equal with the influences of both cities. My New York/Philly equal influence was evident in all my answers. We were asked if we called it a “sub” (considered New York) or a “hoagie (consider Philly) “. I said sub, but also added that I was quite familiar with hoagie because of my large amount of Philadelphia-based aunts, uncles and cousins. We were asked if we preferred 7-11 (considered New York) or Wawa (considered Philly). I said that even though I grew up on mostly on the 7-11, I prefer Wawa. The documentary is slated to be finished in the Spring of 2008, and is planned to hit all of the major New Jersey film festivals. Steve is a middle school teacher, and Alena is a film student at Temple University.

THOSE INTERVIEWED for the documentary asking about where the dividing line is between North and South Jersey included Pete representing “border town” Seaside Heights, and…

It’s hard to believe, but it has been 10 months since the birth of baby Rhiannon Asch, who came a few weeks early October 18, 2006. Rhiannon is the daughter of Scott and Shannon Asch of Toms River. Readers might know mom better by her maiden name, Shannon Omert, a born and bred local of Seaside Heights. Rhiannon is an extremely happy and alert baby, and loves going with mom to the beach of Carteret Avenue near the home of her grandfather, ‘Bobby O’ Omert. In case readers are wondering, yes, Rhiannon’s name comes directly from the song. Mom Shannon is a big fan of Fleetwood Mac, and especially Stevie Nicks.

DON’T WORRY friends of Alfonse “Coupon King” Ulinski saved for him his beloved coupons from the newspaper during his recent 13-day hospital stay.

Thirteen days. That’s the unlucky number of days that Alfonse “Coupon King” Ulinski of Kearney Avenue spent in the hospital this August. After several surgeries, Alfonse is now back at home doing his favorite hobby: couponing. Alfonse cuts out more coupons than anyone you know, and always knows when triple coupon time comes. Alfonse often comes home with bags of name-brand items he didn’t pay a cent for, and in fact the store actually owed HIM money at check-out time. During his stay in the hospital, Alfonse’s main concern was that he might be missing some good coupons in the paper during this time. However, friends saved them for him so he would not miss out on any good deals, which included deodorant, shaving cream and peanut butter those weeks. All of Alfonse’s many friends and neighbors are glad to see him back at home.

Some very special visitors recently were in Seaside Heights. Zack and Emma Stabley came to town to see Aunt Diane Stabley, who readers know is the Borough Clerk of Seaside Heights. Zack and Emma are the children of Diane’s brother Matt, who now lives in San Clemente, California. Zack and Emma were brought up to the beach to see the free screening of Shrek while they were in town visiting their aunt and grandparents on Sampson Avenue.